I am a Cooper Noob and wondered if for model year 2006, if the automatic is always the CVT type in the non S model? Is the CVT still a problem in year 2006?

Thanks!

 

Yes.The CVT was standard on all Cooper coupes until 2006 and on the 2007-2008 Cooper cabrios.

 

So for 5 model years, BMW kept a transmission, which according to many members here, randomly blows up at 20-30k miles???? I am just dumbfounded

So are all "S" models "safe"?

 

Yes all S models have the bulletproof Aisin transmission.

 

Thanks for the info. Which models had the Getrag?

 

All S models have the Getrag manual tranny. Cooper's had the Midland's manual tranny(junk) until 7/2004. For 2005-up they have the Getrag manual.

 

So is there any thing we can do about CVT? I just brought a used 2006 MC and never knew of this issue.

What should I do?

 

If your not having any signs of problems I wouldn't be concerned about it. I managed to get 128k from the CVT on my '03 and know of a bunch of others that made it past 100k. Just enjoy your new2U MINI.

 

If you can afford it, purchase an extended warranty (I have one from www.warrantydirect.com) to protect your investment. Then, as OBC said, if there are no issues, enjoy the HECK out of driving it. It might not be a rocket ship but it is quite "zippy" around town and can get you in trouble on the open road. I hate to shift so I like mine even though it has a different "feel" that a torque converter auto transmission. Depending on current mileage you might consider having a reputable MINI dealer do a fluid change and program reset. It is not cheap but could clear up some minor issues.

 

When we purchased our '06s, I added extended warranties to both. In February the tranny and axles grenaded on one and the bill was $9508, but I only paid $100. If we didn't have the extended warranty the car would have been left in Omaha.

 

Not to randomly revive an old thread but, my GF is currently looking into buying a cooper auto and we are going to avoid the CVT all together.

My question is exactly when did MINI make the switch to the non CVT transmission on the non S models, for BOTH hardtop and cabrios? We test drove an auto 2007 cabrio and the shiter appeared to be that of a tiptronic (+/- BS), but when we drove it, it felt like a CVT. I am no auto transmission expert, always drove a standard myself so just a little guidance would be really appreciated, thanks.

EDIT - Did a bit more searching and found the answer, for future reference:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...76398-cvt.html

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